Development briefs
What are development briefs?
Planning and development briefs are produced from time to time on a variety of sites where significant land use change is anticipated. In many cases such changes happen over a timescale that is too short to include in the formal local plan preparation process.
The brief will make clear what is likely to be acceptable and what is unacceptable; where there is flexibility and where requirements are firm.
The brief, through its role of interpreting development plan policy, will influence the design of a site.
Why use development briefs?
A brief may be required where the development plan and any existing supplementary planning guidance does not cover adequately site-specific issues which need to be addressed prior to the submission of a planning application. This may arise for a number of reasons, such as:
- a number of different planning, and possibly other, policies are applicable to a site, and clear and consistent advice for potential developers will help the development process;
- a site with apparent constraints on development is to be promoted as a development opportunity; or
- there are features of the site or the surrounding area which warrant specific guidance, on issues such as urban design, ecology, archaeology or the preservation of historic buildings and areas.
What use are they?
Scottish Planning Policy 1 (SPP1) considers that development briefs can be an effective means of promoting specific development opportunities and can aid the creation of high quality development. They can be useful to guide the principles of development on suitable sites and are always prepared in consultation with the landowner and other known interested parties.
Who prepares them?
We prepare briefs in consultation with you, businesses and other interested parties. All views are taken into account before the final document is produced.
While they are generally written by us in certain circumstances a developer may carry out this task. In either case, it is expected that a number of steps will be followed and criteria met.
The briefs are generally adopted formally by us and will be taken into account as a material consideration when we make decisions on planning applications.
What is included in the development brief?
Development Briefs explain in more detail how we believe a site should be developed, what constraints there may be and what community facilities should be provided.
If your planning application conforms to an approved development brief you are more likely to receive planning permission.
Where can I see copies of development briefs?
You will find the development briefs in the local plan pages or by going to the download section on this page.
